Often times, once you’ve taken your new computer out of its box, plugged it into a power outlet, and connected it to your Internet service provider, it’s time to test the capabilities, open up its video games, and enjoy your new toy.
Instead, here are five important things you can do to avoid potential problems, such as malware infection. Why ? Because if your computer is brand new, its operating system and security software are already outdated.
Perform Windows updates
So, the first process is to update Windows Security antivirus. To customize how your device is protected with these features, select Start > Settings > Update & security > Windows Security.
It will update the “definitions”, that is, the instructions that allow the program to identify and remove new viruses, Trojans, worms, etc.
Same logic for Windows itself. Select the Start button > Settings > Update & security > Windows Update.
Update drivers
Windows Update can also install driver updates for you, which are necessary for your device to work properly. However, Microsoft only provides basic drivers for specific devices, and will not install a driver for some gaming mice, USB microphones, and other peripherals you may connect to your new computer, such as a webcam, drawing tablet, etc.
Fortunately, there are many options when it comes to using a free driver updater, which is software that can check for missing or outdated drivers and often download and install them for you, sometimes automatically. Two examples:
Keep one of these programs on your computer to make sure you always have quick access to these updates.
Install file recovery software
Why would you accidentally install deleted file recovery software if you haven’t used your computer yet, let alone lost anything?
The big pitfall of file recovery software is that it’s best to install a program before you actually need it. This is because if you wait until the file is deleted to install the program, you risk overwriting the hard drive space where your deleted file is located, which will prevent you from deleting it. This is not a risk you want to take. Two examples:
Join an online backup service
Automated online backup remains the most effective and cost-effective long-term solution for protecting your records. The highest-rated services are often the least expensive. Two examples:
Another option is your local backup system if you have one.
Uninstall unnecessary programs
Windows comes with many programs, some of which will be useless to you, as well as unnecessarily taking up disk space and monopolizing processor power that could be used for other purposes.
Go to Control Panel, depending on your version of Windows, and uninstall these programs manually.
Another option is to use an uninstaller specifically designed for this purpose. Two examples:
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